Molestation charges filed

A 43-year-old Grand Coulee man is set to appear in Grant County Superior Court this month, accused of molesting a 7-year-old girl.

Charges were filed against Charles E. Johnson, who was seen entering a field April 20 with the girl. He was followed by a neighbor who reported hearing her scream. He confronted Johnson and held him while he called 911 for police.

The incident had been under investigation until charges were filed by the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office last week. Prosecutors filed a charge of child molestation in the first degree.

A person in the Superior Court office said Monday that Johnson was not currently incarcerated but was ordered to appear on Oct. 20.

Johnson and the girl were followed by the neighbor to a place the pair called “the fort” in a vacated lot near Division Street, the neighbor reported. He heard the girl say, “No, no, don’t do that,” and “Don’t touch me there,” he told police.

The neighbor got to a location where he could see what was happening and tried to take pictures with his cell phone. He later told police that he saw Johnson’s hand under the girl’s dress.

Later, police learned that Johnson and the girl had often gone to “the fort” and took naps there. Police found three blankets at the location.

It was known by police that Johnson, while 43 years old, was mentally challenged, and during some of the interviews the suspect appeared confused.

The girl’s mother had stated that Johnson was frequently at the house and was “like family,” according to the police report.